The alarm on my cell phone is set for 3:45 am. Yeah, I know. But we have a flight to catch at 6, and we have to pick up Allan's sister Jo Ann, and you do the math.
The three of us are flying to New York City for Christmas. We're meeting Allan and Jo Ann's brother Mike and his daughter Justine there; Mike's other daughter Briar is a pastry chef here, and couldn't get enough time off for a trip home, so we're all going there. On Saturday, Mike's son LittleMike and his wife will join us.
I've been to New York twice in my life, each time for just one day. The first time I was 13, the second, 19. I'm pretty excited about this trip!
Friday we're going to meet up with an old friend of Allan's, and on Sunday we'll spend part of the day with my aunt and uncle, my cousin, and her husband. And guess what else? We're taking the cameras, but not the laptops.
This is a pretty dry entry. Sorry about that. I'm wiped out, yet I'm wired, and I can't think of anything to say except the facts. But now you know why Allan and I exchanged gifts last night.
We'll be back on Tuesday evening, and because we're a little nuts, we're driving to Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning to spend some time with my family. The only missing elements right now are a lovely preteen and her handsome younger brother.
And with that, let me wish all of you a very happy Festivus! Whatever holiday you are celebrating right around now, may it be full of joy and light and warmth.
Amusez-vous bien a New York! (et avec la famille d'Allan) J'espere que Mike ne portera pas son short!
Posted by: Margaret | December 21, 2006 at 23:40
3:45? I would have to spend the night in the airport.
Posted by: Mist 1 | December 22, 2006 at 00:22
Have a wonderful Christmas, my dear!
Posted by: Anne | December 22, 2006 at 00:39
Have a Happy Festivus yourself! And Christmas, and New Years, and Winter Solstice too!
Safe travels to you, Allan, and Jo Ann.
Posted by: Catheroo | December 22, 2006 at 00:48
Passez d'excellentes fetes de Noel tous les deux. Bon voyage.
Posted by: Gracianne | December 22, 2006 at 04:03
Have fun in NYC! I like the city, haven't spent enough time there to love it yet. Take lots of photos! Look forward to seeing those when you get back!
Posted by: Aimee | December 22, 2006 at 04:19
Happy Holidays!
Cas
Enjoy your trip. New York can be very exciting.
Posted by: cassie-b | December 22, 2006 at 06:59
A pastry chef in the family? Color me a deep shade of green with envy ;-)
Wishing you both the most wonderful of Christmases!
Posted by: Daisy | December 22, 2006 at 07:20
Have a lovely time, sounds great!
Allan's brother looks so much like him! (As brothers tend to do...)
Seasons greetings to you both, and to C and T.
Posted by: Katherine | December 22, 2006 at 07:43
Happy Festivus to you and your families!
Posted by: Susan | December 22, 2006 at 09:00
Your plans sound lovely and fun. Nice to be around people who care about you at the holidays, isn't it?
Merry Christmas, Alison.
Posted by: ally bean | December 22, 2006 at 09:12
Pastry chef at Aureole? Them's some fancy pastries. I've only eaten there once, but I'll never forget the zucchini blossom (surprise!) stuffed with lobster mousse that accompanied my pan-seared halibut, nor the amazing desserts (which were as much a feast for the eyes as for the mouth). You should hit her up for a free meal!
Posted by: Rattling the Kettle | December 22, 2006 at 12:58
happy holidays to you and allan and all of your family. i'll miss you!
Posted by: rebecca | December 22, 2006 at 15:00
Happy Holidays, Ali. I hope you and Allan enjoy your time in the Big Apple.
Posted by: mags | December 22, 2006 at 15:12
Happy holidays, travel safe, & enjoy New York!
Posted by: Suzy | December 22, 2006 at 16:39
it's 3:39 a.m. Spanish time
can't sleep, have to go to the airport at 4:30
Air Europa at 7:05 to Paris
Air Canada from Paris the the Great White North
Christmas with the kids and grandkids
whoot! Just the facts ma'm
Enjoy the Big Apple, Ali.
Hope you both have an amazing Christmas...
owld
Posted by: owld | December 22, 2006 at 21:42
Happy Festivus to you too. Be safe.
Posted by: Jack | December 23, 2006 at 03:50
Happy Holidays to you too! Enjoy NY! =o)
Posted by: Deb | December 23, 2006 at 04:14
Happy Holidays to both of you. Have a safe and happy trip. See you when you return!
Posted by: The CEO | December 23, 2006 at 22:11
Joyeux Noël Alison :)
Posted by: meredith | December 24, 2006 at 07:49
Good luck with your flights and other travels. Hope all goes smoothly for you. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: kristy | December 24, 2006 at 11:44
A Very Merry Christmas to you and Allan :)
Posted by: Carrie | December 25, 2006 at 09:36